Plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA as a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is common in southern China and Southeast Asia. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is an important etiology for NPC, and EBV genome can be detected in almost all tumor ti...     

The 5-HT2c receptor gene Cys23Ser polymorphism influences the intravaginal ejaculation latency time in Dutch Caucasian men with lifelong premature ejaculation

It has been postulated that the persistent short intravaginal ejaculation latency time （IELT） of men with lifelong premature ejaculation （LPE） is related to 5-hydroxytryptamine （HT）2c receptor functioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism and the duration of IELT in men with LPE. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted in 64 Dutch Caucasian men with LPE. Baseline IELT during coitus was assessed by stopwatch over a 1-month period. All men were genotyped for Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism. Allele frequencies and genotypes of Cys and Ser variants of 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism were determined. Association between Cys/Cys and Ser/Ser genotypes and the natural logarithm of the IELT in men with LPE were.investigated. As a result, the geometric mean, median and natural mean IELT were 25.2, 27.0, 33.9s, respectively. Of all men, 20.0%, 10.8%, 23.1% and 41.5% ejaculated within 10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-60s after vaginal penetration. Of the 64 men, the Cys/Cys and Ser/Ser genotype frequency for the Cys23Ser polymorphism of the 5-HT2c receptor gene was 81% and 19%, respectively. The geometric mean IELT of the wildtypes （Cys/Cys） is significantly lower （22.6s; 95% CI 18.3-27.8s） than in male homozygous mutants （Ser/Ser） （40.4s; 95% CI 20.3-80.4s） （P = 0.03）. It is concluded that Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism is associated with the IELT in men with LPE. Men with Cys/Cys genotype have shorter IELTs than men with Ser/Ser genotypes.     

Gastroprotective effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis in Albino rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (G. senegalensis) on gastric mucosal damage using different ulcer models.MethodsConsidering the above claims, the present study was undertaken to validate the gastroprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of this plant against ethanol, water immersion and Aspirin induced ulcer models.ResultsThe leaf extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the ulcer index in all assays used.ConclusionsThe results obtained, provide strong evidence of antiulcer activity of the leaf extract of G. senegalensis and support the traditional uses of the plant for the treatment of ulcer.     

LATERAL APPROACH : A BETTER TECHNIQUE FOR SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN THE MODERN ERA

The most commonly used technique in routine spinal anaesthesia practice is the midline approach, compared to the lateral or paramedian approach. With the better understanding of the technique and introduction of fine gauge spinal needles, this practice needs a rethinking. Lateral approach was used in 60 patients undergoing different surgical procedures below the umbilicus, using 24 or 25 gauge, Quincke spinal needle without an introducer. The result was gratifying. In 77% of the cases the subarachnoid space could be entered in the first attempt. There was no failure. No patient complained of postdural puncture headache or post operative backache. Only one patient reported paraesthesia during needle placement without any residual effect. Various other advantages of the technique are discussed. Thus with due practice, lateral approach is found to be superior in modern day spinal anaesthesia.KEY WORDS: Anaesthetic technique, Backache, Headache, Lateral approach, Spinal     

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Pseudo-outbreak at a University Hospital Bronchoscopy Unit in Turkey

Objective:

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen found predominantly in the enviroment and hospital setting. Invasive procedures and treatment methods, instruments used for diagnosis and irrational antibiotic use play major roles in the spread of this pathogen. The study aimed to evaluate consecutive S maltophilia isolation from bronchoalveolar lavage samples during bronchoscopy procedure during a week.

Methods:

Four patients consecutively had S maltophilia isolated during bronchoscopy between September 8 and 15, 2012. The identification of the isolates and their antibiotic susceptibility were studied by automated Vitek version 2.0 (Biomerieux, France) system. The clonal relationship between the isolates was studied by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

Four consecutive S maltophilia isolates had identical band patterns and showed clonal relatedness.

Conclusion:

Bronchoscopy is a common invasive procedure that is utilized in chest diseases departments and intensive care units (ICUs). Contamination may take place due to inappropiate use and cause spread of infectious pathogens. In the current study, we detected consecutive S maltophilia strains with identical band patterns isolated within a week. After appropiate disinfection and cleaning procedures, no further isolation was detected.